Animaps is a free and ad-free website that allows users to create animated scrolling maps which can include images and annotations. Completed maps are viewed as videos and can be shared with others. The Animaps website has a searchable library of the user-created maps, although users have the option of marking their videos as private - making them view-able by only those the video is shared with. The website does not have specific sections for teachers and students, but the content on the site is appropriate for use in schools However, like all web content, it would be prudent for a teacher to preview any animated map before using it in the classroom. This tool is appropriate for teachers and students alike and would be most useful for students in grades 7 through 12.
Educational Uses of Site
This is a tool that could be used by history teachers when presenting information on the journeys of explorers, the expansion of empires, or the events of a battle. The completed maps are viewed as videos which allows the teacher to pause or rewind the animations when needed as the map is presented. Additionally, the tool could also be used by a student to create a presentation as part of a larger project. For example, a student assigned to present the path of the Oregon Trail could create a video detailing the route taken, common stops on the way, and locations of hardships.
Review of Site
I found this site to have the potential to be very useful in the social studies classroom. As is the case with many technology tools, the tool seemed a bit complicated to use at first. Animaps provides a series of tutorial videos which increase in complexity and do a great job of guiding one through the process of using the tools to create animated maps. In my estimation the average user will learn to use the basic features of the website in 15 to 20 minutes. After the initial time investment, the product is easy to use. Unfortunately, the Animaps tool is no longer being updated with new features, but it can be very useful to teachers and students alike in its current state.
Student Name:
Robert SpeicherTitle of Site:
AnimapsURL:
http://www.animaps.com/Description of Site:
Animaps is a free and ad-free website that allows users to create animated scrolling maps which can include images and annotations. Completed maps are viewed as videos and can be shared with others. The Animaps website has a searchable library of the user-created maps, although users have the option of marking their videos as private - making them view-able by only those the video is shared with. The website does not have specific sections for teachers and students, but the content on the site is appropriate for use in schools However, like all web content, it would be prudent for a teacher to preview any animated map before using it in the classroom. This tool is appropriate for teachers and students alike and would be most useful for students in grades 7 through 12.Educational Uses of Site
This is a tool that could be used by history teachers when presenting information on the journeys of explorers, the expansion of empires, or the events of a battle. The completed maps are viewed as videos which allows the teacher to pause or rewind the animations when needed as the map is presented. Additionally, the tool could also be used by a student to create a presentation as part of a larger project. For example, a student assigned to present the path of the Oregon Trail could create a video detailing the route taken, common stops on the way, and locations of hardships.Review of Site
I found this site to have the potential to be very useful in the social studies classroom. As is the case with many technology tools, the tool seemed a bit complicated to use at first. Animaps provides a series of tutorial videos which increase in complexity and do a great job of guiding one through the process of using the tools to create animated maps. In my estimation the average user will learn to use the basic features of the website in 15 to 20 minutes. After the initial time investment, the product is easy to use. Unfortunately, the Animaps tool is no longer being updated with new features, but it can be very useful to teachers and students alike in its current state.